When Anthony Raguso left big-city life behind to become administrator of Thompson Hospital in Canandaigua in 1969, he found the rural lifestyle he was seeking, although the responsibilities of his new job were clearly as challenging as any big hospital. Beginning his tenure when Thompson was on North Main Street, Mr. Raguso during his nearly two decades with Thompson oversaw not only the move to Parrish Street, but the dramatic expansion in buildings and services that followed.

“He was a joy to work for,” said Linda Farchione Hawks, Thompson’s former president and chief executive officer, whom Mr. Raguso hired as his assistant before his retirement in 1986. Describing Mr. Raguso as upbeat and a gifted leader, Farchione Hawks said he was dedicated to Thompson and the community.

“He made the new hospital happen, and he was so proud of that,” she said.

Mr. Raguso — known as a loving family man who enjoyed music (especially jazz), playing harmonica, camping, carpentry, and most of all, spending time with his family — died Feb. 2. He was 89.

“He was a kind and loving father, always concerned for other people,” said Mr. Raguso’s daughter Rebecca Raguso Snyder.

Mr. Raguso’s daughter Joanne Raguso said her father gave her “the greatest gift — the gift of family.”

Their father was dedicated not only to his immediate family, but to his extended family as well, the daughters said. “He would always go to the aid of his siblings,” said Rebecca. Whether it was help buying a car or doing a household project or repair, their dad was the person their family could always count on, the daughters said.

“As everyone who knew him knows, he took great pleasure talking with people, joking, telling stories and generally socializing at every opportunity,” said Mr. Raguso’s son, Bartley Raguso. “He felt everyone had something of value to share, and he was always eager to listen.”

Born on July 4, 1924, in New Castle, Pa., Mr. Raguso’s ambition and compassion led him to serve in World War II in a field hospital MASH unit, finish high school after the war and get a college degree. On May 16, 1948 he married Josephine, who remained his sweetheart for 66 years. After earning a graduate degree in social work from University of Pittsburgh, he took the position of medical social worker at Montefiore Hospital in Pittsburgh, Pa., where he rose to senior administrator before he and his family moved to Canandaigua.

At Thompson, under Mr. Raguso’s leadership, the hospital saw the addition and expansion of a nursing home; a physicians office building; a pediatric wing; a medical-surgical floor; and additional acute-care beds. Medical specialities also came on the scene in a range of areas, including emergency medicine, orthopedics, gastroenterology and cardiology

“He was supportive, easy to work with and dedicated to Thompson Hospital and making its nursing home the best,” said Dick Appel, who was Thompson’s director of development before Mr. Raguso retired. “He was pleasant, a good listener and very supportive as we plotted new ground.”

Page 2 of 2 - Mickey Sands, whose husband, the late Marvin Sands, was president of the hospital’s Board of Directors during Mr. Raguso’s tenure, said, “Marvin thought the world of Tony and had the greatest respect for him.”

In citing Mr. Raguso’s accomplishments for a Thompson newsletter when Mr. Raguso retired, Mr. Sands said that in “his uniquely modest manner, Tony has been a most industrious leader. The many changes and improvements that have taken place at Thompson Hospital dating from the old hospital on Main Street 17 years ago have been monumental. Although many other people can proudly share credit for much of this progress, the major portion deservedly should be attributed to Tony ….”